In 2025, the world celebrates the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II – the legendary “Waltz King” whose melodies have become the heartbeat of Vienna and the soundtrack of an era. To honor this occasion, the Johann Strauss Quartet presents a sparkling evening of music that pays tribute to the master of dance, charm, and elegance.
This anniversary concert offers a unique opportunity to rediscover the brilliance of Strauss’s music in its most refined form – performed by a string quartet. Expect beloved classics such as The Blue Danube, Voices of Spring, and Viennese Blood, alongside a few delightful surprises.
The Johann Strauss Quartet is made up of four outstanding musicians based in Vienna, united by their shared passion for the music of Johann Strauss and his contemporaries. In addition to regular performances across Austria, the ensemble recently completed its debut concert tour in Japan.
Whether you’re a lifelong admirer of Strauss or discovering his music for the first time, join us for an evening of celebration — and let yourself be carried away by the timeless melodies of a composer whose music continues to enchant the world!
Lukas Medlam – Violin
Half British and half Austrian, Lukas Medlam began playing piano at five and violin at six. Growing up in a musical household, with professional musician parents who often rehearsed chamber music at home, he developed an early love for classical music. He soon discovered the works of Lanner, Lehár, and the Strauss family, developing a special passion for Austrian salon music.
After completing physics studies at Imperial College London, Lukas moved to Vienna—his mother’s homeland—to pursue a master’s degree in violin performance. Vienna opened new doors for him, allowing him to join various chamber orchestras and ensembles and focus deeply on Viennese repertoire.
He has performed with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, toured China with the Vienna Feuerhaus Sinfonietta, played with the Wiener Kammersinfonie in Brazil, and performed on Mediterranean cruises with his string quartet. Lukas regularly brings the music of Johann Strauss Jr. and his contemporaries to diverse audiences.
Joen Mikkel Simonsen - Violin
Joen Mikkel Simonsen was born and raised in Denmark and came to Vienna for his studies. Shortly after arriving, he discovered his passion for Viennese salon music. Alongside his classical training—with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in performance and pedagogy—Joen Mikkel has increasingly specialized in salon music, becoming a key member and often concertmaster in several Viennese ensembles.
He is a member of the Salonorchester Alt Wien and the Carl-Michael-Ziehrer Orchestra, and has contributed to numerous CD recordings. Collaborations with the Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Tonkünstler Orchestra Niederösterreich, and Vienna Symphony Orchestra have further enriched his musical experience.
Stephanie Drach - Viola
Stephanie Drach was born in Vienna and began playing the violin at age seven before switching to viola a few years later. As a child, she sang in the renowned Gumpoldskirchner
Spatzen choir, where she first encountered classics of Viennese salon music, such as the Danube Waltz. During her viola studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, Stephanie focused intensively on chamber music, especially string quartets. She received several international awards with her quartet, including the prize for best violist at Italy’s Concorso Massimiliano Antonelli.
Stephanie regularly performs with orchestras such as the Tonkünstler Orchestra Niederösterreich, Volksoper Vienna, and the Vienna Chamber Orchestra. Her concert schedule is enriched by numerous tours throughout Europe and Asia. As a native Viennese, she has a special affinity for the music of her hometown and aims to share the unique charm and elegance of Viennese salon music with audiences worldwide.
Tristan Feichtner - Cello
Born in St. Johann in Tirol and raised in Vienna, Tristan Feichtner studied cello at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna with Robert Nagy (principal cellist of the Vienna Philharmonic) and Stefan Kropfitsch (Jess-Trio), graduating with distinction in 2021. A sought-after chamber musician, he has performed at numerous chamber music festivals across Europe. As an orchestral musician, Tristan regularly plays with the Tonkünstler Orchestra Niederösterreich and the Vienna Chamber Orchestra.
As a member of ensembles such as the Strauss Capelle and the Schönbrunn Palace Orchestra, which specialize in the music of the Strauss family, Tristan shares the deep inspiration and fascination for Viennese salon music that has captivated him since childhood. His busy concert schedule has taken him to countries where classical music is less common, including a recent tour in Africa.
